If Andrew used a bodyguard to dig dirt on an abuse survivor, what can we do about it?

The reporting suggests that Andrew asked one of his taxpayer-funded bodyguards (a Metropolitan Police protection officer) to investigate Virginia Giuffre — providing her date of birth and U.S. social security number, claiming she had a criminal record — in effect trying to dig up dirt on his accuser (source: Guardian).

Here’s why that is deeply wrong (morally, legally, and in terms of public trust):

Abuse of privilege and power

As a member of the royal family, Andrew has access to state-funded resources (e.g. bodyguards). Using those for personal agenda — e.g. to target someone accusing you of abuse — is an abuse of that privilege.

Misuse of public resources

Asking a police bodyguard to carry out what is effectively a private investigation or smear campaign is a misuse of public or taxpayer-funded state resources.

Violation of privacy / data protection

The sharing or use of sensitive personal data (DOB, social security number) for the purpose of investigation or discrediting someone raises serious ethical and possible legal issues around privacy, data protection, and misuse of personal data.

Intimidation / retaliation against an abuse survivor

If true, it amounts to a retaliatory tactic against someone making serious allegations. It can have a chilling effect on survivors reporting abuse, by signaling that powerful people can use institutional structures (police, security) against them.

Conflict of role / duty

A bodyguard or close protection officer is supposed to protect, not act as a private intelligence-gatherer or smear agent. There’s an inherent conflict of purpose.

Erosion of public trust in institutions

When a member of the royal family is implicated in such behavior, it damages trust in institutions (monarchy, police).

Moral hypocrisy and accountability

If Andrew is using tools of the establishment to shield or defend himself, it suggests he does not subject himself to the same accountability as ordinary people. That violates norms of equality under the law.

Even though there is “no indication the officer acted on the request” (i.e. we don’t yet know whether the bodyguard complied) the very attempt of seeking to enlist state machinery is in itself deeply concerning.

Public figures, especially those who benefit from state roles or public funding, have a heightened responsibility. When they conflate their private interests with public duty in a way that targets individuals (especially victims or accusers), that crosses serious ethical boundaries.

While we don’t individually have the power to launch investigations, there are meaningful actions that citizens can take to demand accountability, push for reform, and support survivors. Here are some ideas:

1. Demand accountability through oversight and public pressure

-Contact your MP, urging them to call for or support a parliamentary inquiry into misuse of public resources by officials.

-Pressure the Metropolitan Police and relevant oversight bodies (Independent Office for Police Conduct, Home Office) to carry out full, transparent investigations.

2. Support survivors / victim rights organisations

-Donate to charities or legal aid organisations that help survivors of sexual abuse, assault, and trafficking. These organisations often help with legal support, counseling, and advocacy.

Refuge.org.uk and womensaid.org.uk are just two examples.

3. Use the letter template below to contact your MP

Subject: Accountability, misuse of public resources, and support for survivors

Dear [MP’s Name],

I am writing as your constituent in [Your Constituency] to express my serious concern about recent allegations involving Prince Andrew and the misuse of a police protection officer to investigate an accuser using sensitive personal data. If true, this is a grave abuse of privilege, conflating public resources with private interests, and undermines public confidence in institutions of justice.

I therefore respectfully request that you:

1. Call for a parliamentary inquiry or independent investigation into the use of state resources — especially police/close protection services — for personal purposes, and whether any misconduct took place.

2. Support reforms for oversight and accountability such that security, protection, police, and public funding cannot be diverted or misused for private aims.

3. Champion stronger protections and rights for survivors of sexual abuse, including:

-A statutory code of practice for how police handle sexual assault / abuse investigations (to ensure consistent empathy, accountability, and transparency),

-Stable, ring-fenced funding for support services (e.g. Rape Crisis centres, counselling, legal aid),

-Oversight mechanisms ensuring that complaints against police or misuse of power are handled transparently, independently, and effectively.

4. Ensure your office speaks publicly in favour of accountability and support survivors. The silence of public representatives in such cases communicates tacit acceptance.

I’d appreciate hearing from you about what steps you will take in Parliament or locally to address this. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Address (optional)]

[Email / Phone (optional)]